Even a month later, I'm not sure that Caitlin and I have quite wrapped our minds around the fact that we're going to have three babies instead of just one.

Caitlin's been panicking about money and the added difficulties of having multiples. I've been panicking over the fact that I now have four people depending on me in some way and the ever-present thought that I may bail like my dad.

That's not even mentioning the fact that the obstetrician and sonographer agree that there's a high chance that all three are girls.

I'm outnumbered.

Ever since Caitlin was restricted in what she did, both for the babies' and her sakes, my mom and I have moved in with the Heyers.

It is strange to suddenly be sharing air with three other people, six if you count the babies.

Of course, my room is on the other side of the house from Caitlin's, and by the way her father watches me, I know that he worries that something more will happen.

However, my girlfriend and I have been sneaking into each other's beds, simply to hold the other and assure that we're not running out of town.

Though, it is more me sneaking into Cait's room since she is lugging around our babies. Despite the fact that she worries, there is nothing like the moments when we press our palms against her stomach and feel the kicks of our three kids.

"We'll be fine," we both whisper to each other, and the babies pound our hands as if they agree.

Her father caught us one night and stood in the doorway chewing us out, talking about the dangers of us being alone in a room together.

Caitlin rubbed her eyes wearily before saying, "I'm already pregnant, Dad. It's not like Michael can do anything worse."

We haven't heard a word about our nighttime cuddling since.

In fact, I believe a begrudging bond is forming between us males. Surrounded by females, we must band together to survive the onslaught.

We are alone, surrounded by the sound of the television. His hand is wrapped about a can of soda, mine are clinging to my legs.

"I'm terrified, Michael," Mr. Heyers says in a low voice. "Absolutely terrified."

For a moment, I wonder if he even said anything or if I merely imagined it.

He turns towards me as his free hand mutes the television. "I have seen what Caitlin's going to go through and to even think my little girl will be struggling to bring three new lives into the world when hers has only begun-"

His voice trails off, and in his eyes, I see the same terror that I've been dealing with for the past six months. I see the same fear in my eyes every time I think about parenting three little girls and of Caitlin screaming in pain.

"I wanted to hate you. I wanted to kill you for what you did. I was convinced that it was all your fault, that you were the reason why she chose that path," he admits. "I let it consume me before I remembered that there were more players in the game, that you were doing the right thing with Caitlin. I remembered that I felt the same way that you do now, and I wasn't a teenager or dealing with three babies."

Caitlin's dad falls silent again, but I'm afraid to move, to breathe. I don't want to ruin this moment, the closest I will ever get to having a moment with my dad.

"You could have been exactly like your dad. You could have run off and left my little girl alone and broken.

"You didn't though. You have stuck with her. You have comforted her in her darkest hours. You have sacrificed just as much as her for these kids," Mr. Heyers whispers. "I am proud to call you my son, regardless of whether or not the two of you ever marry or not. I want you to know I'm humbled by what you're doing for my daughter, and I appreciate it."

Then he turns back to the television and unmutes it like nothing happened.

I'm shell-shocked, struggling to comprehend what had just happened.

It was the first time that a man called me son, and it made me more determined than ever to be that kind of father for my daughters.

I didn't want the first time a man called them daughter to be when they were seventeen and pregnant with their boyfriend's baby.

I wanted it to be me the very first moment I held each of them in my arms.

Progress with 2746

Note: Despite what one of my fellow employees thinks, I believe this is heartwarming. However, we all must remember what is at stake here.

We can't fail again.